As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Child Life Program Director in the United States is $106,852 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Child Life Program Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Child Life Program Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Child Life Program Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Child Life Program Director | $100,323 |
| Intermediate Level Child Life Program Director | $101,532 |
| Senior Level Child Life Program Director | $102,741 |
| Specialist Level Child Life Program Director | $103,950 |
| Expert Level Child Life Program Director | $107,233 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Child Life Program Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 12.64% |
| First Aid | 4.76% |
| Programming | 1.75% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Builds Networks
|
$128,222 |
20%
|
|
Coordination
|
$116,469 |
9%
|
|
Initiative
|
$115,400 |
8%
|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$114,332 |
7%
|
|
Alignment
|
$113,263 |
6%
|
|
Onboarding
|
$113,263 |
6%
|
Understanding how a Child Life Program Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Salaries for a Child Life Program Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $94,923 in 2023 to around $93,265 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Child Life Program Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $94,923 |
| 2024 | $93,968 |
| 2025 | $93,265 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Child Life Program Director's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Child Life Program Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Child Life Program Director is $134,772.
The highest pay for Child Life Program Director is $131,250.
The lowest pay for Child Life Program Director is $75,901.
Manages and directs pediatric programs, therapies, and activities among young patients. Evaluates programs and recommends changes to improve care for childhood hospitalizations or disabilities. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to top management. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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